Mamelodi Sundowns fans have given varied opinions following their team’s 1-0 win over Raja Casablanca on Sunday in what was coach Miguel Cardoso’s first game in charge.
Sundowns secured a 1-0 win thanks to Iqraam Rayners’ 65th minute goal to hand them their first group stage victory and there was a lot that impressed Masandawana supporters over the direction of the team under Cardoso.
Among those lauded are Rayners for his hot scoring streak that has seen him net in the last five matches to take his tally to 11 goals in 14 matches while Cardoso’s tactics and game management also left supporters delighted. Here are some of their sentiments.
‘Falling’ Sundowns level on points with rising Pirates
“Mamelodi Sundowns, whose era of dominance is reportedly coming to an end according to journalists and fans, currently has the same points as the in-form Orlando Pirates in both the CAF Champions League and Betway Premiership.” -@VhoGubz
Mngqithi deserves credit for signing Rayners
“Manqoba Mngqithi should have been given a 5-year contract extension just for the Iqraam Rayners signing.” -@MS_Sharpeville
You can count on Rayners, not ‘frustrating’ Ribeiro
“Rayners can disappear but you can always count on him. [Lucas] Ribeiro is a frustrating player. Too casual. Plays only when he wants to. Look out for him.” -@peacenationone
What a second half display…Riberio was really disappointing. [Kutlwano] Letlhaku what a gem, Shasha [Peter Shalulile] played well, [Arthur] Sales looks positive under Cardoso. Everyone was magnificent. Cardoso is cooking something already. -@itsjustprib
Sundowns learning from Al Ahly
“Not pretty but exactly the type of performance needed in a must-win Champions League game. The way we are going about it this season reminds me of how Al Ahly always wins it.” – @Charlie_mavhaga
Beautiful ‘futbol’ has taken a back seat
“I’m telling you, time for beautiful futbol has taken a back seat. I remember us winning CAF CL with simple and effective football. Results with cups? This is where we are going.” – @TinoMalinga
Downs struggled with long balls
“We won cool but my question is how are we going to beat them [Raja] away. Those long balls gave us problems at the back, ee looked shaky.” – @_OBARAK
Cardoso’s quick thinking impressive
Congratulations to the team and welcome coach Cardoso. One thing I like about him is that he is quick with decision making. – @Luscorpio11
It was a good first game by Miguel Cardoso. We did not feel threatened at any time, we were in control of the game. The 4-1-4-1 was good. The coach will get to know the players very well in good time and the display will also improve. I also like the early substitutions. -@SamsonBaloyi16
Great game management
We did well after scoring, slowing down the tempo of the game, something that we lacked recently and it cost us in the [Carling Knockout] finale and our last CCL. After scoring, you are in control, there is no need to rush. The boys are always dying for the team. – @ntuthukosilo
Big shoutout to the boys and coach Cardoso! The team played so well with quick passes, even though they slowed things down a bit towards the end to manage the game. Really happy with Cardoso's boys. Masandawana are back! In Cardoso we believe. – @Lerumo_Johnson
